A good template saves time, ensures consistency and lowers the barrier to starting genogram work. Whether it is a nuclear family, a blended family or a three-generation structure – starting with a suitable template allows you to focus on what matters most in the session: the family and their story.

What Is a Genogram Template?

A genogram template is a pre-built family framework with the most important symbols and relationship lines, serving as a starting point for a new genogram. Templates define the basic family structure – how many generations, which relationship types, which standard fields – without fixing any specific persons or content.

Templates differ from finished examples: an example shows a complete, filled-in family constellation. A template is the empty framework behind it – ready to be filled with the specific data of a real family.

The Built-in Templates in GenoEasy

GenoEasy includes six ready-made templates covering the most common starting situations in therapy and counselling:

Creating Custom Templates – Step by Step

Every practice has its own focus areas. With GenoEasy you can create custom templates tailored to your most common client situations:

• Start with a suitable base template – for example "Three Generations" as the starting point for your systemic work.
• Add practice-specific elements – external institutions (school, youth welfare office), common relationship types or standard fields for medical conditions.
• Save the result as a .geno file – this file is your personal template. Open it for each new client and immediately save under a new name.
• Refine the template after each session – which elements are regularly missing? What is superfluous? A good template grows with experience.

Tips for Effective Genogram Templates

A good template is neither too empty nor too full. Too little structure means spending too much time building the framework during the session. Too much pre-structuring can obscure the individual. The best template for your work is the one you most frequently use unchanged as a starting point.

Also ensure that templates contain no specific names or personal data. A template is a tool – privacy-sensitive information belongs only in the completed document, not in the template itself.